Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1887-12-14

pear 70 our population IS cons1dered; when IT
is made apparent thai. in the case OF
large part Of those who own sheep, the
benefit OF the present tariff on wool Is H.
lusory; and, above all, when it must be con-
ing caused by such taritr becomes q burden
upon those with moderate means and the poor,
the employed and unemployed, the sick and
wen, and the young and old, and that it con.
fastened upon the clothing of every man, wom-
an and child in the land, reasons are suggested
why the removal or reduction OF this duty
should be included in revision of our tariff
laws
In speaking of the increased cost to the con-
sumner OF our home manufactures, resulting
same description. the fact is not overlooked that
competition among our domestic producers
sonnet mes has the effect OF keeping the price of
their products below the highest limit allowed
by such duty. But it is notorious that this com.
petition is too often strangled by combinations
quite prevalent at this time and frequently
called trusts, which have for their object the
regulation OF the supply and price Of commodi-
ties made and sold by members of the combina-
ton. The people can hardly hope for any con-
sideration IN the operation OF these selfish
schemeA
II, however, in the absence of such combina-
ton, q healthy and free competition reduces
the price OF any particular dutiable article of
home production below the limit which it might
otherwise reach under our tariff laws, and II,
with such reduced price, its manufacture con-
tinues to thrive, it is entirely evident that one
thing has been discovered which should be
carefully scrutinized in an effort to reduce taxa
ton. -
The necessity of combination to maintain the
price Of any commodity to the tariff point fur
nlshes proof that some one is willing to accept
lower prices for such commodity, and that such
prices are remuneriative and lower prices pre-
duced by competition prove the same thing.
Thus. where either OF these conditions exist q
case would seem to be presented for an easy
reduction of taxation,
The considerations which have been present
ed touching our tariff laws are intended only to
enforce an earnest recommendation that the
surplus revenues Of the Government be pre-
vented by the reduction Of our customs duties,
AND, at the same time, to emphasize suggestion
that, in accomplishing this purpose, we may
ing to them measure OF relief from tarin tax
alton in quarters where it Is most needed and
from sources where it can be most fairly and
made of such considerations be, with any de-
gree OF fairness, regarded as evidence OF un-
friendltness toward our manufacturing inter-
ests, or Of any lack OF appreciation Of their
These interests constitute a leading and most
substantial element OF our National greatness
and furnish the proud proof Of our country's
upon us, our manufacturers are asked to sur
render something for the public good and
to avert disaster their patriotism, as we'll as
afforded, should lead them to willing co-opera-
ton. No demand is made that they shall fore
60 all the benefits Of governmental regard; but
as we'll Us their enlightened seifnterest and
safety, when they are reminded Of the fact that
financial panic and collapse. to which the pres.
emit condition tends, afford no greater shelter or
protection to our manufactures than to our
other important enterprises. Opportunity for
safe, careful and deliberate reform is now Of
Tered, and none OF US should be unmindful of q
less OF those who have resisted timely and rea-
s0nable relief, may insist upon q radical and
sweeping rectitication Of their wrongs.
The difficulty attending wise and fair re.
It Will require on the part OF the Congress great
labor and care, and especially broad and Ma
tional contemplation of the subject, and patri-
otic disregard OF such local and selfish claims
are unreasonable and reckless of the welfare
OF the entire country. .~%
Under the present laws more than four thou
these do not in any way compete with our own
manufactures, and many ore hardly worth at
tentton as subjects OF revenue. A considerable
can be made in the BY
Of luxurles presents no features of hardship;
but the necessaries of life used and consumed
by all the people, the duty upon which adds to
the cost Of living in every home, should be
greatly cheapened.
The radical reduction Of the duties imposed
upon raw material used In manufactures, or Its
Tree Is OF course an 1da %
necessaries; it would not only relieve them
from tho increased cost caused. by the tariff
ON such material, but the manufactured
OF the tariff now laid upon such prod
uct as II compensation to our manu-
faptures for the present price OF raw material
could be accordingly modified. SuCh reduction,
or free importation, would serve beside to large
ly reduce the revenue. 1t Is not apparent how
such change can have any injurious effect
upon our manufactures On the contrary, It
would appear to give them O better chance in
foreign markets with the manufacturers of 9TH
er countries who cheaper their wares by free
material. Thus our people might have tho OPP
limits OF home consumpt on, saving them from
the depression, Interruption In business and
loss caused by q glutted domestic market, and
steady labor, with its resulting quiet and con-
The question thus imperatively presented for
solution should be approached in spirit higher
than partisanship, and considered In the light
OF that regard for patriotic duty which should
characterize the action Of those intrusted
with the veal OF confding people. But
principal is not wanting to urge prompt and Of
fective action. Both of the great political par
tees now represented In the Government have.
by and
init the collection from the people OF unneces-
sary revenue, and have, In the most solemn
manner, promised Its correction; and neither
mood to condone the deliberate violation Of
Our progress toward . wise conclusion will
Of protection ana free trade. This savors too
much OF bandying epithets. It Ia con-
dition which confrcnts US, not o theory.
Slight reduction 10th o Of the advan tee
which we award our home productions;
but the entire withdrawal OF such advantages
should not be contemplated. The question Of
free trade y absolutely irrelevant; and the per-
SiStent claim made in certain quarters. that all